Save the Children welcomes Labor commitment to strengthen Australian charities and not-for-profit sector

Save the Children welcomes Australian Labor’s announcement that they will significantly invest in Australia’s charity and not-for-profit sector, and create a dedicated Charities Minister, if elected

08 May 2019

Making the announcement in Melbourne today, Shadow Minister for Charities and Not-for-Profits, Andrew Leigh also pledged to work with the sector to build a more connected country.

Labor has promised to establish a Not-for-profit Sector Expert Reference Panel, and a ‘Building Community - Building Capacity’ Working Group to implement the Panel’s recommendations, as well as vowing to formally recognise the benefits of advocacy by charities and not-for-profits.

Save the Children Acting CEO Mat Tinkler said Labor’s commitments would help ensure charities like Save the Children could continue reaching, and speaking on behalf of, the world’s most vulnerable children.

“Today’s announcement by Labor is vital for our sector and all those we support. The purpose of charities and not-for-profits is to address gross inequality within societies, but this cannot be done without significant investment,” Mr Tinkler said.

“A strong and vibrant charities sector performs an essential check and balance function for Australian civil society, and ensures those children and families living on the margins have a voice.

“We are particularly pleased that Labor plans to amend the Charities Act and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act to clarify the public benefit of advocacy as a charitable purpose.

“We also welcome Labor’s recognition that a strong relationship between government and the charity sector is crucial for the overall health and future of our nation, and we urge the Coalition to follow suit.”

Save the Children is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Australia’s peak body representing charities and not-for-profit agencies.​
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